Nanadan Nilekani back in action with LPG database as platform for UIC project

Yet to take over officially, but Nandan Nilekani cannot sit quiet and hence he began with his new job by meeting with oil minister Murli Deora and minister of state Jitin Prasad. The reason is that the database for cooking gas is huge and he can begin the mammoth task of creating unique citizen-Id cards by taking the first step in this direction.

What Nilekani expressed to do?
The Infosys co-founder decided to run a pilot project in the cities of Hyderabad, Pune and Bangalore where he will instruct to issue smart cards to kerosene and cooking gas consumers. Murli Deora is also impressed with the idea as he feels that in this way the government can keep a track on who receives the kerosene and cooking gas sole.

Presently 11 crore consumers is served by 9350 cooking gas dealers. This huge database will lay the foundation for the standardization and synchronization of data.

Before the clock starts ticking, UIC project has already made bold start.

Sourav Ganguly to be the BCCI President

It has just been 8 months that the Prince of Kolkata, our very popular and beloved dada-Sourav Ganguly retired from international cricket and 8th of July being his 37th birthday, the news of Sourav Ganguly as a BCCI President is not a mere birthday wish.

This time, it is the turn of East Zone to select the top position of BCCI, marking an end of an era of Jagmohan Dalmiya. Sourav is happy to begin a new innings with a difference but he was quite calm and reticent in his approach. He said that he was in no hurry and that he is keen in doing some good work in the domain of cricket administration and in particular for Bengal cricket, if given the opportunity.

According to the BCCI policy of rotation, CAB President can become the BCCI President in next 5 years that is in 2014.

So, the stylish, bespectacled left-hander will take on his one time mentor Jagmohan Dalmiya to contest the CAB presidential election.

So, all the best to one time cricketing on-field legend for an off-field innings

MJ’s memorial ticket goes online

As the registration time for Michael Jackson’s memorial ended, can you guess the total number of people who clicked at staplescenter.com to be a part of the King of Pop’s funeral service?

Its almost 1.6 million registrations for only 17500 tickets for the memorial ceremony.

To be a part of the MJ’s memorial service, you simply cannot queue without a valid ticket. So out of these whopping 1.6 million registrations, if you are lucky your name will definitely show up in the list. One will be intimated through the e-mail facility.

As you refresh your inbox and get lucky then an unique code will be sent as a communication and will direct you to visit the designated center to collect the tickets.

Each one will receive two tickets, either for the memorial service at Staples center or the simulcast at the nearby Nokia Theater.

Jackson family is still tightlipped about the private funeral ceremony before the massive public memorial.

So stay tuned and watch the live streaming of the memorial service of Michael Jackson at:

http://www.headlines24x7.com/buzz/michael-jackson-funeral-livestreaming-watch-it-right-here/

Kambakht Ishq is Kambakht torture to watch

When you hear that it’s the exotic location, big Hollywood names with mega star casts and a woman with a bikini, you can be rest assured that there is no plot or story. It’s the same cliché where the initial hatred is the seed of ballistic love in the end.

The film is shot in Hollywood and the center stage of the movie is Kareena and her size zero body. However the film unfolds showing Akshay Kumar as a stuntman in Hollywood. He lives life with fun and women and his dictionary of living there is no place for love and marriage. Akshay as Viraj meets Kareena as Simrita in Viraj’s brother marriage. It is here that the war of words between Viraj and Simrita begins.

As in most Hindi masala movies you have the hero and the heroine bumping into each other for more than any reasons. As all story goes, even in Kambakht Ishq the hatred between two increases manifold. Simrita is a doctor and she operates Viraj and it s a watch that is left inside the stomach of Viraj (read accidentally). What else do you require for the love to bloom?

However Kambakht Ishq is a lavish production of Bollywood and people will definitely flock in to theaters to catch a glimpse of Hollywood heartthrob Sylvester Stallone in a Hindi masala movie. Stallone definitely commanded a terrific screen presence. Akshay Kumar, however was simply great in his award acceptance speech and Kareena simply cannot be hotter than in Kambakht Ishq. Her scene of the seductive song Bebo main bebo, dil mera le lo can only maker her real life hero Saif Ali Khan go green with envy and red with anger. So watch out with caution!

Besides, this no plot movie, Kambakht Ishq is shameful (read painful as well) to watch with family. The lunatic moments in the film could not be so deftly handled by debutant director Sabbir Khan.

So, as the hype of Kambakht Ishq gets settled, crowds too will vanish in thin air.

Another plane disaster on the Indian Ocean- Yemeni crashes in Comoros

With 150 people on board a Yemeni airplane crashed into the Indian Ocean. Reports indicate that there is simply no hope of any survivors. This Airbus 310 was a connecting flight from Paris and is believed to be not very far from Moroni. The plane crashed near the Comoron archipelago that is about only 300 kms to the northwest of Madagascar. Once again it is believed that rough weather caused this crash. The accident happened in the wee hours of Tuesday.

Comoros is a group of three small islands, Anjouan, Grande Comore and Moheli in the Mozambique Channel.

Air disasters are striking hard these days. It was in this same month that Air France plane A320 crashed into the Atlantic on its flight from Rio de Janeiro to Paris. Here again, it was turbulent weather condition that claimed lives of all 228 people on board.

Again it was only in the month of February that a passenger plane crashed in New York and claimed lives of 49 people on board.

Rescue operation for the Yemeni air crash is on.

Michael Jackson’s autopsy report reveals shocking truth

At the time of his death the king of pop music Jacko was in horrible health condition. Anorexic Michael Jackson who barely ate one meal a day was a mere skeleton. Inside his stomach were some dissolved pills. The report also revealed that his ribs were broken and his body bore need le wounds.

It is believed that after taking the Demerol pain killer injection he suffered a massive cardiac arrest. In a frantic attempt to revive him as rescuers pumped his chest, his ribs got broken. Again, near his heart, there are scars of injection marks which say that to save him; doctors have pushed injection directly into his heart. Three adrenaline injections damaged his heart wall while the fourth missed the target and penetrated the ribs.

Again the report failed to explain the scar mark on his back and bruises and injuries on his shin. In the recent past he became completely bald and even at the time of his death he was wearing a wig. Even his face bore marks of many cosmetic surgery and even the failed ones.

It is believed that Dr. Murray was the person who gave MJ the last dose of Demerol injection. The first autopsy report rules out any foul play but his family went for a second autopsy report as they feel there lays a mystery shrouding the death of a music legend.

Whatever or however we try, it will be only his music and creation that will remain with us. It is believed that he was a loner with a golden heart that was filled with love and compassion for all.

Besides his comeback tour he was also in the process of creating another environment song. In his last days, it has been known through reports and close friends that had been reading noble laureate Rabindranath Tagore’s creations.

Michael Jackson dies at 50

It was his last performance, the rehearsals that he was into for the last two months in Los Angeles for his comeback tour in London. However, the King of Pop, the Peter Pan of music breathed his last at UCLA Medical Center. He was rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state.

It is being speculated that the legend suffered a cardiac arrest at his Holmby Hills and when paramedics failed, he was taken to the hospital.

Born in 1958, this pop icon rose to fame in the 80s with his scintillating album Thriller, considered to be the best selling album of all times. However, his career is punctuated with lot of controversies including sex scandal, financial calamity and innumerable cosmetic surgeries.

However, he has always been ranked with Beatles and Elvis Presley and is considered to be all time music sensation.

His comeback performance that was slated for July 13^th will never happen again…

Just shampoo to wash off your grey hairs

The secret behind your No Grey Hair at the age of 40 will no longer be the hair color from trusted brands of L’Oreal and Garnier and neither it is your healthy diet, regular henna conditioning or hot oil massage. Then what it is the secret of this beauty?

Technology and innovation has stepped into this area as well and in no time you will find your self purchasing hair shampoo, hair cream or conditioner that will be capable to wash off your gray hair. The research is ongoing and we are hopeful of positive outcomes.

Why your hair does start graying?
Its not the hard years that you have put up to show signs of wisdom, instead scientifically it’s the melanocytes, the pigment producing cells that die or work less to produce the hair color. This is because those melanocytes lack an enzyme called TRP-2 that is important to protect the cell from losing its pigment.

The ongoing research stresses on this biological thread. They are trying to reawaken the cells by imitating the enzyme action on hair follicles. If it succeeds then not only hair color can be maintained for longer duration but the process of graying can be reversed as well.

It is considered as a revolutionary discovery and it will save people lot of money and worry. However the flipside to it is it that it might not work so great for ones who have very dark hair color as their eyebrows might turn to be grey.

Nevertheless graying hair has a solution other than coloring and streaking by itself is a great idea. So wait and watch as this beauty secret blooms into a product and becomes the buzzword in lifestyle segment.

World Environment Day: Go Green

WED 2009 is being held in Mexico this year. A concept that begun way back in 1972 is being commemorated each year on 5^th of June to create awareness amongst masses, to urge people to be responsible citizen and to provide with a human face to the environmental issues. The forum reflects the urgent need to change the environment for the better. It tries to drive and encourage communities to Go Green and take responsible initiatives for a safer and prosperous future.

What is the theme of WED 2009?

From the first theme of Only One Earth in the year 1974 to Your Planet Needs You-UNite to Combat Climate Change in 2009 is a long way. 35 years have passed by and the theme gets changed with warning tintinnabulation.

The morning is beautiful and each day a new beginning for millions of people worldwide and to let it remain so until the clock ticks we need to do something and not jot down action points amidst fanfare.

I woke up to see tiny tots in green dresses with a sapling in their hand towing unsteadily towards the compound. Children are going to school donning green tees with a caption on WED. From the little one, working class to the senior citizen, each seems concerned and there is lot of tittle-tattle on WED. The need of the moment is to Unite for a Global cause to save Earth.

From World’ Earth’s Day to World’s Environment Day, it means nothing just to commemorate with loose talks. It requires concerted efforts to make it Go Green!!!

Little steps that you can continue doing just begin it on WED with a firm resolution…

Plant trees. It will just take few minutes of your time and nurture it to say how it grows to add beauty and life wherever it has been planted. Be it your neighborhood, workplace or in your school. Just do it and make the UNEP’s Billion tree campaign a success.

Get into car pooling mode. It will help reduce carbon emission and the roads will be less decongested and you reach your destination faster.

Reuse shopping bag, defrost your freezers regularly and save your energy so that you can bequeath a healthy environment to your next generation, if not anything else.

'Rann' had a Run before its Release

A Ram Gopal Verma film and it won’t get embroiled in controversy has never happened in Indian cinema. So, prior to the release the director and producer had a run with the song Jan Gan Man as censor board feels that the song is a distortion of Indian National Anthem.



The story line of Rann is all about a private TV News channel, the rise of the founder of India 24X7-the news channel as Vijay Harshwardhan Malik. The role is played by none other than Big B whose last venture with RGV was Sarkar Raj. Vijay is Harvard educated most respectable media personality and journalistic ethics is the corner stone of his channel.

In this film you can find Ritesh Deshmukh in a makeover. From a non-sensical comic character in most films, Ritesh Deshmukh comes on the celluloid as Purab Shastri in Rann. A dynamic young man, educated in journalism believes in reporting news and not manufacturing them. An idealist individual working to see a better India tomorrow and does not have any selfish motives. This Purab is in a live-in relationship with Nandita Sharma played by Gul Panag. However, she is not bothered as to what’s happening in the country as long as she and her boyfriend are living on with life. In the film the other threads are played by Mohnish Behl as Amrish Kakkar and Rajpal Yadav as Anand Prakash Trivedi.

The twist of the story in Rann is when Jay Malik, son of Vijay Harshvardhan Malik is all geared up to transform the news channel of his father and wants to make it a profitable enterprise to justify being in media business.

Well, yes you have guessed it right. This latest flick Rann seems to reflect Pronnoy Roy and NDTV 24x7 on the big screen. So who’s Barkha Dutt? Just wait to see the performance of Suchitra Krishnamurthy as Nalini Kashyap, Programming Head of India 24x7 and see for yourself if Nalini fits the role of Barkha.

Once in the theater do not miss the opportunity to check out the fight between realism and idealistic thought in Rann. The release is expected on Gandhi Jayanti with a volatile theme where one needs to watch the high-voltage drama to find answer to whether faith in blinded tolerance is justified in today’s sci-fi age.

Do the Kefiyeh thing and sport a new style

Are you sporting that chekered triangle-shaped scarf around your neck to impress girls, simply to make the bold fashion statement or trying to symbolize a revolt? Gone are the days when this piece of cloth referred to as kefiyeh was used to protect from harsh weather conditions.

Way back in the earlier days of twentieth century kefiyehs were used by the people in Palestine and Syria. After some time in the late 1930s Kefiyeh became symbol of Palestine Nationalism. It became the embodiment for class struggle against British occupation. However, the movie industry was not behind and men sporting Kefiyeh was seen in the film Lawrence of Arabia in the mid 1960s.

From there to here, Kefiyeh are now being used by celebrity icons Shahrukh Khan and Akshay Kumar. Be it in the promos of IPL, owner of Kolkata Knight Riders or starring in Billu Barber, Shahrukh Khan dons kefiyeh to put a break on the neck tie. In the fashion ramp shows you can hardly miss on the colorful checkerboard pattern around Akshay Kumar’s neck.

So, for the Gen-Z kefiyeh is another fashion trend, little knowing what it was all about. From Palestine head scarf to one worn around the neck, kefiyehs are being sold in dozen to satiate the fashion-conscious young urban population.

Are you the one joining the bandwagon? Check it out in the nearest stores. You will be amazed at the variety of Kefiyeh!!!

Mothers Day thoughts

Beautiful is your face,
Gentle is your smile
Warm is your hug
And tender is your touch…
You have cast a ray of sunshine into my mind’s darkest place

Yes, that is you Ma…my mom!!!
Without whom I would not have been what
I am Today…

It’s been days, months and years of
Tireless efforts,
Selfless devotion,
Undaunting courage
And above all
Ocean of Love

To nourish my being and nurture my senses
To grow up…

And will you believe that Today…
I woke up to see a yellow rose on my bedside and got hugged with words whispering in my ears…. It was Happy Mothers’ Day wish from my 5 year old lil’ daughter.

And its here…
I pray on this day to Thy Almighty
That may You grant me the courage and the wisdom to sail on Life’s sea
And help me walk on the footprints of my MOM
So that years down the lane I can
Reminisce resplendent moments of togetherness
In the Sunshine of Today!

A tribute to Rabindranath Tagore

Its 7th of May today, some hundred years ago, in the year 1861 on this day Rabindranath Tagore was born to create a legend, to mark an era that centuries will commemorate until earth perishes.

Born in a wealthy family of Brahmin, son of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi, Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore was a literary icon. He was a poet, artist, novelist, composer and even educationist, besides being a social reformer. He is the founder of Visva Bharati University. His short stories, verses and novels received worldwide recognition. He is the first Asian to be a Nobel Laurete. It was in the field of literature that he was awarded the Noble Prize in the year 1913 for Gitanjali.

Rabindranath Tagore is twined with our daily existence. Bengalis eat, sleep and breathe with Gurudev’s creations. Bengali culture was reborn and it reached its pinnacle of glory under his aegis contribution. He brought name, fame and glory for the entire nation and every child born in a Bengali family is first taught to know learn and think on Kabiguru Rabindranath Tagore to broaden one’s horizon of thought. His spiritual thoughts so well chained in words that it elevates your senses to some extraordinary realm of surrounding.

Though he left us on 7th of August 1941, at the age of 80, he still lives with us through Rabindra Sangeet, recitations and through varied cultural forms.

Would like to end this post with some of his quotes that guides me in the journey of Life

Faith is the bird that feels the light when dawn is dark.

Emancipation from the bondage of the soil is no freedom for the tree.

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough….

From Kolkata Knight Riders to nightmares

My last post was a line or two on the drama that went perfect with Buchannan and well enacted by our Mr.Billu Barber. As IPL season II is on its way, it’s pathetic to see that Kolkata Knight Riders is already out of the race well ahead of anyone. Yes, IPL-2 is now a sport with only 7 teams. Out of the nine matches played they have lost 8.

The performances that needs to be forgotten not only by the performers (aha yes a pun intended) but mostly by the owner of the team-Mr. Shahrukh Khan. He hates to lose but clarifies saying that you never win if you do not fail. But will IPL- 2 again come back for the Kolkata Knight Riders’ Team?

And what about the Great Multi-Captaincy Theory of our Mr. Buchannan? Sounds multi-failure and sudden demise of the highest valued brand of IPL-2!!! The Economic Times have pegged Kolkata Knight Riders brand value at a whopping $41.2 million.

The team is demotivated with no energy to play. You must see Mr. Buchannan on the stands when his team plays on the field. With a laptop and a long face, this coach has neither rhyme nor reason to be what he is. The players need to freak hard to come and play back the remaining 5 matches… either to add salt to the wound or to apply balm to aches…..

Be there to watch Kolkata Knight Riders plying their shots to make-up their defeats.

KKR gets new Captain, Sourav Ganguly sacked

So, Shahrukh Khan proved one more time that he is a great actor. Sourav Ganguly sacked as Kolkata Knight Rider Captain. It was a plot of multi-captaincy theory for Kolkata Knight Rider for IPL 2 by Buchannan but finally it’s almost a new story unfolding. Its New Zealand wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum who will lead Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL Season- a fact that just got known. The first match will be played on April 19th against Deccan Chargers by Kolkata Knight Riders….
The question is why this backstabbing of Ganguly? Second it was altogether a different thing told by Shahrukh Khan few days back… and again he said a different thing in a great way of acting … Rest is yet to unfold.

Tech Mahindra buys Satyam

In 3 months time, the name of the acquirer for fraud-hit Satyam Computer Services is out today and it is Tech Mahindra that has won the bid at Rs58 per share. Tech Mahindra will now owe 31 per cent stake in Satyam by paying out 1757 crore (almost 357 million USD) in the deal.

The Telecom giant Tech Mahindra won the bid by beating Larsen and Toubro and Cognizant Technology Solutions as well. Tech Mahindra has paid Rs 58 for a 10-rupee share to acquire 31 percent stake. The bid made by Larsen and Toubro Rs. 49.50 per share.

It is expected that transition will happen smoothly and it will be quite a quick process too, with CLB approval will not take much time. Again Tech Mahindra officials have been quoted saying that there will be not mass layoffs in Satyam, but yes synergy with employees will be of highest priority.

The bigger challenge is now with seamless integration of the clients. Tech Mahindra is a telecom manager so there will be question on how the company will address and tackle issues of IT development in various sectors ranging from automobile to banking. Next, move is whether Satyam brand will remain as Satyam or will there be any change.

So lots of speculation on these moves and more is yet to unfold.

Missile Crisis with North Korea’s Launch

According to official sources of North Korea, Kin Jong II‘s administration will launch a missile that will carry a telecommunication satellite anytime from April 4 to April 8. The North Korean government says that it is a part of peaceful space project program. However, the world condemns such an initiative especially countries such as US, Japan and of course South Korea.

Analysts believe that the reason behind this missile launch by North Korea is to test Taepodong-2 missile that is capable to reach Alaska.

Obama administration has warned strict action against North Korea if the country goes ahead with the missile launch program. US government have made it clear that this missile launch will lead to stricter UN impositions on this country and also severing all kinds of bilateral ties besides stopping financial aids.

Japan has stepped up its airspace security and has urged its men to shot down any North Korean object entering its airspace. While Kim Jong have reacted to this and said that any disruption to this peaceful project will lead to dire consequences. South Korean President Lee Myung-Bak is of the opinion that North Korea might go ahead with their plans.

There are confirmed reports that say that the launch site is Musudan-ri and the rocket has already been fuelled.

We need to wait-n-watch to write more on this.

New York Shootout

40 people taken hostage; 12 killed in shootout in a building in Binghamton, New York. There is lot of casualties. It’s the American Civic Association Building and there is a man who began shooting. Few people could escape and many rushed to hospital. Some hid in the basement of the building.It happened in the morning
Eyewitness suggests that man is in his early 20’s in the hostage crisis at New York and he is loaded with high-end rifles and is simply shooting indiscriminately.

Another story of 26/11 takes place

Bengali Film review Dosar

Just thought to scribble few lines on Rituparno Ghosh directed film Dosar as it stirred my mind and made me again question the intricacies of relationship.

Rituporno Ghosh has many critically acclaimed films under his belt such as Unishe April, Dahan, Utsab and even The Last Lear casting legendary Amitabh Bachchan. In all this films he have experimented and portrayed reflection of human relationship through different angles and with a story that leaves you pondering on how would you have reacted if it happened with you. So, here is a filmmaker who makes you question through his subjects on celluloid.

Again, in Dosar, its lust and infidelity that is the crux of the story. There is a woman too, torn apart between her sense of duty as a wife and deep sense of individuality as a betrayed woman.

The story unfolds with a car accident, sojourn to an extra-marital relationship of Prosenjit Chatterjee with his office colleague. The woman dies and Prosenjit is left with severe physical injuries and feeling of remorse. Prosenjit is in his recuperating period but he fails to come to terms with his mental trauma.

The segment of the film that keep you questioning and you wish to know more is that of Prosenjit’s wife Kaberi, role played by Konkana Sen Sharma.
Hearing about the accident, Kaberi rushes to the hospital and she is shocked not only with grief but anger too as infidelity of her husband is exposed. With this opposite feelings she begins to fight her days and tries to control emotional outbursts in a way that only a woman can do.

There were two sides of Kaberi. The wife who loves her husband and wants him to get well again, while on the other side there is the agonizing grief of betrayal by her husband.
She struggles, fights and tries to explain herself in her own way. And finally the wife in her wins and she cannot restrain herself from doing the duties as a wife.

But, what leaves me pondering is whether if the same situation has had happened with Kaberi, what would have been Prosenjit’s action and reaction? In the film Arth directed by Mahesh Bhatt, this particular thread of thought was beautifully dealt with.

Dosar meaning Companion is a good display of black and white shades of color with reflection of complex human emotion. The feeling is accentuated with background scores and recitation of Bengali poetry. However, there are some sex-scenes that have been unnecessarily intertwined and another relationship played by Parambrata and Pallabi Chatterjee seemed superfluous.

Dosar is a film of different treatment of the same subject but it failed to come out of certain stereotypical societal inhibitions.

Pakistan puts Terror in Cricket

Another day of brazen reality of chaos and lies that shrouds Pakistan as a Nation, could be seen, heard and felt when the Sri Lankan cricketers have been attacked by gunmen in Lahore, few yards away from the Gadaffi Stadium.

This terrorist attack in Pakistan has targeted nation’s most popular sport. It has been just months before, the 26/11 attack where hundreds of people died and brave soldiers laid their lives down to protect their fellow men. It was the shots of gunfire, it was the hand grenade, the black smoke billowing, rocket launchers used, blood smothered everywhere and shrieks of utter helplessness and incessant wailing and crying numbed India… and again it happened in Pakistan where The Sri Lankan cricketers felt death whizz pass them as it was the same bullets, the gunfire and grenades.

Again, it is The Pakistani Terrorists… whatever be the group, be it Taliban. Lashkar-e toiba or Al-Qaeeda… the word Terrorism is intertwined with Pakistan

Its again Living with Fear with no action
Remembering Death each passing moment,
Breathing Insecurity
And then calling it mere Destiny !!!!

We may end it saying There are good Taliban’s also….. an irony of the highest order!!!

Wake up Nations before it’s too late!!!

Dreams: The psychological content of a physiological state

From poets to artists, from fairy tale stories to scientific theories, there has been varied interpretation, myths and understanding surrounding dreams. Since ancient times, Sigmund Frued’s book Interpretation of Dreams to modern day experiment have made several attempts to question what goes on within our mind when we are sleeping.

Dream is an experience; an involuntary action that occurs during the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) stage of our sleep that can last from few seconds to hours. Dreams do occur in other stages of sleep too but then that is less memorable. Dreams reflect a world of imagery in our subconscious state of living and link our emotion to the deepest core secrets of our heart and mind.

Many theories suggest that by understanding your dreams you get a better insight on your life’s perspective. So, the imperative question that comes in our mind is…

What causes Dreams?
According to the Freudian school of thought dreams result from the subconscious thoughts while the other extreme school explains dreams as some noise in our neurons that has no special meaning.

Whatever be it Dreams are powerful and real. They can really help you unlock the hidden talents within you. There are several types of dreams and they are categorized into different segments based on factors such as content, occurrence and many more.

Repetitive Dreams: Dreams that keep on repeating themselves since a young age. This dream implies that there is a message within it and one needs to unlock to know the content. Psychoanalyst helps to solve this situation, as there might be some dark secrets of life and one simply pushes it to the unconscious state.

Message dreams: Here individuals peep into the pool of wisdom and tries to understand the message of his unconscious state. These dreams are like stories and always have something to unravel. Message dreams are sometimes repetitive dreams too.

Lucid Dream: Lucid dream is one in which you have a direct control because you are aware that you are dreaming. In this kind of dream you can also decide as what to dream. In a lucid dream, the dreamers wake themselves up once they realize that it was only a dream. An active participation by the dreamer occurs in this kind of dream.

And finally it is the negative dreams that are termed nightmares.

Other classification of dreams includes Astral dreams, Aspirational dreams and Release dreams based on their content.

Tata Motors’ People’s car Nano to hit headlines on March 23rd

The much awaited $2000 priced Nano is to hit the Indian roads on March 23rd, bringing an end of year long speculation and criticism after the Auto Expo in January 2008. Speculation as to whether at all Tata Motors would be able to deliver to the promise made by their chairman Ratan Tata with severe problems plaguing the original Singur plant and criticisms on the forefront from adding congestion to the Indian roads to being a cheap vehicle to accelerate further pollution and global warming.

But, I beg to differ here with regards to criticisms meted out against Tata Nano from environmentalists, media people to anti-industrialization intellectuals. This is because Ratan Tata’s Nano is just not the car of Tata Motors, it’s a people’s car and quite importantly India will once again reiterate its stand as a power to recon with in the international arena with quality standards. The launch of Tata Nano calls for a celebration as it is going to make a paradigm shift in the auto industry.

Tata Nano is criticized on the grounds of consumerism and congesting of roads. Why can’t our anti-globalization leaders also take into account the benefits from trickle-down hypothesis? With the launch of Nano and its subsequent manufacturing, it will trigger demand and help create job opportunities for many especially in this time of recession. The job creation will not remain restricted to the auto industry, it will be created in infrastructure sector too as India will require more roads and flyovers.

Many speak of Nano adding to pollution. But then, do you know that Tata Motors’ Nano is Euro IV compliant and moreover aren’t there too many government buses running on the Indian roads in dilapidated condition adding fuel to further carbon-dioxide emissions? So, why blame Nano that is already complying with International pollution control norms.

Moreover why not appreciate that it will help realize the dreams of many in this land of billion populations. Tata Nano will help many to experience a four-wheeler ride for whom driving was a far cry as it is only riding.

So, if you are convinced of buying a Tata Nano, cough up Rs 70,000 as the advance booking which is scheduled to begin in April. The standard model of Tata Nano will be available at Rs. 1 lac while the other two variants is expected to be priced at Rs. 1.24 lacs and Rs.1.34 lacs.

Tata Nano booking- Where you can do?
State Bank of India has gone into an agreement with Tata Motors and it is expected that initially 100 branches of SBI will cater to Tata Nano booking besides the Tata Motors dealers. The online booking of Tata Nano is yet to take off.

Further reading on Tata Nano... check the links

http://topics-today.blogspot.com/2008/08/big-issue-for-small-car-in-west-bengal.html

http://topics-today.blogspot.com/2008/01/auto-expo-2008-peoples-car.html

Beat Stress Spiritually

In this time of economic meltdown, crashing portfolio wealth, job losses, pay cut and everything that brings a frown to your face, there is a perpetual tension and that reflects in everyday living. Stress seems to have overwhelmed our selves and we are simply plunging into greater darkness of ignorance.

Here are few simply day to day things that can help you light up a candle hoping for a brighter tomorrow that you can live with a radiant face and beaming confidence.

• Do not lose confidence and trust in your self. Believe in the hidden talent of your self and proclaim to the world that you are the best, not in loud words but in great and kind deeds. You need to constantly and consciously say yourself that time is fleeting and change is only constant; so a cycle of bad days will bring in time of good fortune.
  
  
• Connect with yourself. In praying lies not only solace but strength too. So connect with the God within you by a regular prayer twice a day. It need not be chanting prayers, lighting candles or putting incense sticks to create the right ambience in front of an idol for worshipping; it can be simply reiterating any favorite lines within your soul, as you begin the day and at night when you take leave from your chores and hit your bunkers.
  
  
• Discipline your mind and body. Try doing regular exercise, walking a mile, stretching for 30 minutes or just take a swim to fill your senses with fodder enough to chew for the rest of the day. Try incorporate deep breathing techniques in your daily schedule of things and feel the magic of meditation.
  
  
• Listen to your inner voice, as it keeps resonating within you. It’s your conscience that is your greatest companion, so never betray your conscience. Let it reign supreme amidst turbulent times, so that you come out stronger with passing days and your peace of mind is not disturbed.
  
  
• At the end, if you are a believer of Destiny, then continue doing your work honestly and live sincerely without any expectation of the outcome. It is Work that is Worship, so Keep working for the good of others, in no time you will find your platter filled with abundance of joy, happiness and success.
  
  
  
  

Friendship

How often I nurture in my thoughts
The times that we shared in our yesteryears
How often I recollect in my mind
The moments of togetherness

How often I get nostalgic
To recollect and relive the days and nights
Of laughter and fun; Of joy and sorrow
Of splits of fights and seconds of understanding

And today amidst frenzied pace of life
In search of happiness
Sold my time for causes rife

Sailing rudderless in the fathomless ocean of Life
I simply Thank for living in Friendship!!!

A relation that cannot be defined; a relationship that has no need; A relationship that is above all. Yes, I believe Friendship is one relation where you can exercise your choice. Yes, all relationships are forced upon us by birth. It is only friends that we choose to live with. So Friendship comes with no extra baggage, it comes with no ownership tag.

Friendship is like a free bird.
Let it soar high in the sky of faith and empathy…
Let it get drowned in the sea of love and
Let it live in our daily living so that we can walk a mile with a smile.

It is Global Climate Change-Can you feel the heat?

It’s still the month of February, but heat is catching up in this part of the Indian subcontinent. The winter seems over and the mercury has started soaring. One can really feel the effects of global warming and climate change in our daily pattern of living. I am using the term global climatic change just because it’s not limited to only one part of the world, but global warming effects can be typically felt in sum total of all the weather patterns in the world.

Here, in India, it’s the month of March, April and May that the temperature rises. But come 2009 and one has already packed off the woolen garments in January and is gearing up for a very hot summer. With little and almost no northwest monsoon in the months of October, November and December, there is hardly moisture in the soil. And if there is no rain in the month of March, you can be rest assured to feel the Global warming effects.

So, do you need government policy to take few steps to control the harmful consequences of this climate change? Of course not! You will definitely not want the glaciers melting and sea levels rising, but would work your life out as a responsible citizen. The awareness needs to light up your ignorance. So read more find out more and most importantly act judiciously to save our planet, our environment from global warming.

Can we not all do some simple things to make life free from the worries of global warming effects? Little steps taken can go a long way in taking the quantum leap.

• Did you check that the Television power is switched off before you hit the bed at night?
  Was the geyser on throughout the day? Take care to switch it off in time.
  
• Check on all the lights and electric equipments and do not keep the machines in the stand by mode
  
• If you are not using your computer even for a short while, ensure that the monitor is switched off.
  
• Replace regular incandescent light with CFLs. This is because CFLs use almost 60 percent less energy than a regular bulb. This act alone can save almost 300 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year.
  
• The filters on your air conditioners and furnaces need to be cleaned at regular intervals and that can save almost 350 pounds of carbon dioxide in a year.
  
• Defrost fridges and freezers at regular intervals.
  
• Choose and buy intelligently the electrical appliances so that they save maximum amount of your energy bill and also pollutes the least. Energy-efficient products are the need of the hour.
  
• Switch your energy consumption into a greener mode as it is cleaner and renewable source of energy. Examples of green energy are solar energy and wind energy.
  
• Reduce road congestion and emission of pollutants in the environment by walking, cycling or car pooling. So simply start off a car pool with your co workers or friends
  
• Decrease travel by air.
  
• Use more of non-toxic cleaning products and reusable bags and boxes.
  
• Try recycling waste products as much as possible and begin using recycled materials.
  
• Switch over to organic food consumption. This is because organic soils keep carbon dioxide store at much higher level than soils from conventional farms. So, as you grow more foods organically, one can remove almost 580 pounds of carbon dioxide emission in a year.
  
• Conservation of forest is essential. So, last but not the least plant more trees .

These simple steps can really make Earth a better place to live and would give a true meaning to celebrate 'World's Earth Day'

Make Him feel special on the Valentines Day

As Valentines Day is all about roses, chocolates, poems and mushy valentine cards, it is more of a day when the men go all out to impress their loved ones in an unique style. But, here in today, I want to write a post where doing simple things you can surprise the guy on a valentine’s day so that he takes care of you similarly the rest of your life. (Phew! Asking for too much … Never mind we all live for tomorrow in the world of expectations with hopes and dreams)

For some time you forget the Valentine red roses and the funky jewelry, instead concentrate your thoughts on him and try to make the Valentines day extra special for him without any over-priced valentine gifts and cards.

Here are few tips as to how to make valentine day thoughtful for you and filled with surprises for him.

As the adage goes that The easiest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. So, why not prepare a special valentine meal for him. Cook for him all the good dishes that he freaks on and surprise him with a candle-lit dinner with his favorite platter filled with sumptuous meals.

Hardly there is any man who does not freak on electronic gadgets. So, update yourself on the latest fads and speak about it with information and enthusiasm. The aim is to strike the right conversation to make him feel that extra special on Valentines Day.

Concentrate on the minutest details of your partner. Starting from the car keys in the morning to the coffee at night before he hits the bed, be extra-attentive. If you can be that little thoughtful you can leave some love notes either in his wallet or on the dashboard of the car.

If you are not staying together, then arrange for a dream date all by yourself and believe me it won’t cost you a dime. What you can do is speak a lot on both of yourselves such as things that you both want to do together, dreams that you chase, places you both wish to travel. Then jot them down on this Valentine’s Day with love and chase them to make it a reality for a meaningful tomorrow.

So, that extra step and little concern in a thoughtful way on this Valentine’ Day can go a long way to create that strong bond of eternal love.

Melt your valentine heart with gourmet chocolates on a valentines day

In these days of recession where every cent is to be counted, you can keep your valentine day gift simple and well within budget with some valentine candies nicely wrapped in a gift basket. Valentines Day is all about chocolates, candies and roses. It’s just how you gift your valentine to ignite the romantic feelings and to bedazzle her beyond expectation is what matters the most.

If you have a budget of say $10 you can make your valentine jump with joy as she receives a 4-inch valentine chocolate frog on a white chocolate lily pad wrapped with colorful ribbons, while the valentine chocolate hearts range from $5-$11.

Did you know that chocolates has been used as a gift since the days of Aztec and is rightly associated with the food of God?

It’s not about only eating the dark chocolate and feeling the sensuality but it includes all; from receiving a nicely wrapped box of Belgian chocolates, to unwrapping it, to feeling the exquisite pleasure of melting the same in the mouth. So, you can begin the evening of love with a box of assorted chocolates ranging from caramels, pralines, ganaches to truffles. Well, if you know which chocolate is the favorite of your valentine, you can place an order for a customized box too and if it’s above $50, you can get your valentine chocolates delivered at her doorstep free of cost.

In this Valentines Day, you can also choose to celebrate your love with delicious irresistible Godiva chocolates. The chocolates might not last long but what lingers on the mind is the loving sentiment and emotion of the person who gifts it with love. While if your valentine freaks on chocolates you can simply overwhelm her with Ghiradelli Chocolate bars.

Do not be disheartened if your loved one can’t eat sugar, as you can find lots of sugar-free candies too. You can check on the Vermont Country store and pick and choose from a variety of categories by clicking on the following link http://www.vermontcountrystore.com/browse/Home/Food-Candy/The-Candy-Counter/Sugar-Free-Candies/D/30003/P/1:100:1020:10280:100820?itemType=CATEGORY&itemID=869

One can also try the Fretzels.com for the chocolate dipped fretzels on a valentines day that has some great gourmet chocolates to savor the taste buds such as Pomegranate Bellini (champagne flavored white chocolate with dusted sugar crystals and sprinkled with sweet pomegranate flavor). You can also fill your valentines day with sweet sayings by gifting a box of chocolate wrapped fortune cookies.

And what is the traditional valentine day chocolate box look like?
It’s a red heart shaped box filled with assorted chocolates and tied with red ribbon. You can make it extra special by simply placing a long-stemmed red rose on its top with your recorded message of love.

Dark or white, truffles or bars, chocolate wrapped strawberries or cookies to assorted boxes and gifts baskets…is all that you need just to say...

Will you be my Valentine?

Say it with Valentine Roses on Valentines Day

Wondering what to gift your valentine on this Valentines Day? No other message of love on this romantic day can match the beauty of Valentine roses. Be it either a bunch of resplendent valentine roses or simply a single long-stemmed red rose representing simplicity. And why is it that Valentines Day answers only to the cupid’s call of Red roses?

Roses come in variety of colors ranging from pink signifying admiration and gratitude, yellow reflecting friendship, white for innocence and purity, while orange is for passion and if you fall in love at first sight all you need to do is gift your valentine a lavender rose. But, it is Red roses that signify love in deepest and most passionate way.

Red roses are symbol of love and it dates back to mythological period as it was the color of Greek Goddess of Love. Again, red roses were also used in marriage ceremonies to bond love forever.

Today, with technological advancements and growth of internet business, sending wishes in a floral way online is now just a mouse click away. Just browse the net and you will find several websites offering services to send your valentine roses to your valentines who might be in different locations or your next-door girl. The varieties of bouquet ranges from carnations with red roses, blooming valentine roses in a red vase to valentine flowers decorated in a heart style and tag it along with a cuddly bear.

The most exciting valentine’s gift that can make your valentines day happening and memorable is to Say Your Way the everlasting love message with valentine flowers. As you place an order for your bouquet, you can record your personal message over the phone on receiving order confirmation. Your valentine will simply be delighted to hear your message in your own voice while receiving the bouquet with that smile and gleam on her eyes. Record your voice with http://www.ftd.com/say-it-your-way-ctg/occasion-essage/?noparent_bread=1 and make your valentine feel that extra special in less than $50.

The best is to book your valentine flowers in advance so that you are not disappointed with stocks and you can also save some bucks in the bargain as discounts and sale. There are several valentine flower hampers available in the price range $20 to $432. Yes, the price tag of $432 is for a 1 feet cuddly teddy with 500 roses decorated with candies and chocolates. As you browse through the internet, you would be amazed at the variety of styles in which a message of love can be sent to your valentines. For variety, I happened to click the http://valentinesday.indiangiftsportal.com/flower-hampers.html and you might browse it as well for they guarantee delivery of freshest flowers on same day order.

So, just take care to pick the roses in a thoughtful way and customize them with your creative mind to bring that elusive smile on your valentine’s face.

Why Valentines Day?

Love is in the air and with the call of cuckoo; it’s the search of valentine gift for your valentines that is making all the noise amidst the fragrance of valentine flowers. With the dark clouds of recession, economic slowdown, job loss and what not, you can still feel the magic of Valentine day if you have a heart that pulsates, a mind that searches and a soul that is stirred with the murmur of the leaves and rippling of the brook.

Check out my week long blog posts dedicated to all Valentines worldwide from scouting for valentine gifts, sending valentine wishes in a unique way to how to win your valentines heart with the best valentine ideas.

Before that, did you know when Valentine’s Day got commercialized or what is the story behind sending the Archie’s or Hallmark Valentine card and with the post offices making the right business during this month of romantic February?

Mystery shrouds like a mist as we explore the history of Valentines Day. Besides fanciful legends, Valentines Day is associated with Roman tradition and Christian vestiges. All that most of us know is that this day of 14th February is associated with some St. Valentine.

One story is that King Claudius II of Rome was a stone-hearted man who believed that men without any family bonding made better soldiers. Hence he denounced and outlawed marriages in his empire. The Saint Valentine, priest, there realized the injustice of the decree and he secretly continued to perform marriages of young lovers. However, when he was caught doing this act, St. Valentine suffered martyrdom on 14th February about the year 270 AD.

Some legend says that when Claudius II caught St Valentine performing the rites of marriage secretly, he was thrown into jail and was pronounced death sentence. But there, he left a farewell note for the prison guard’s daughter who had become his friend and signed it as From your Valentine.

In no time St. Valentine’s popularity grew from a heroic figure to a romantic icon and by the Middle Ages he was the most popular saint in France and England.

Again Christian legends revolve around the feast of Lupercalia, a fertility festival dedicated to Roman God of agriculture Faunus. On the eve of this festival name of Roman girls were written and placed in a jar. Each young man would draw the names of girls from the jar and would remain as partners during the festival. In many occasions the pairing lasted an eternal bondage.

Gradually 14th February marked the day of exchanging love notes and literary creativity with poems and valentine gifts rose to greater height. It was in 1800s that introduction of commercial valentine began. Since then and till now behind the veil of St. Valentine there is Valentine cards, Valentine gifts, Valentine ideas, Valentine flowers to Valentine sayings…. All with a Cupid’s heart !!!

Luck by Chance- Don’t miss it by any chance

Finally, a breakaway and it is fresh new young talent in the Indian Film Industry in the veil of director, actor and producer and all are set to make it big. Yes, am talking about the Akhtar family and this time coming into limelight is directorial debutant Zoya Akhtar with Luck by Chance that took almost six years to run in the theaters.

Luck by Chance is again an insight into Bollywood industry with strings of some great star-studded cameos. The sequence in the film spells the in and out of the Indian film industry beginning with the guard at the gate, the never ending supply of tea by the chaiwala to getting the first role, thus giving a reason to dream for many million boys and girls as why its show business still the big business. Luck by chance portrays the darker side too, reflects the stark reality behind the veil of glitz and glamour, sweat behind the arc lights and the lump on the throat on failure to get clicked.

It’s a simple story of two struggling actors Vikram Jai Singh(Farhan) and Sona (Konkona Sen sharma). Vikram has left the plush lifestyle of his father’s home at Delhi, only to prove his mettle as an actor with a burning desire while Sona has come to Mumbai to answer her life’s calling with dreams in her eyes to make it big one day.

On the other side is the affluent Punjabi family with Rommi Roli (Rishi Kapoor) playing as a Punjabi producer who is worried as Zaffar Khan (Hrithik Roshan), has refused to sign his next film. Rishi Kapoor is simply a must watch as throughout Luck by Chance he has been extremely amusing a character with all his superstitious mannerisms. While the typical other part of glamour world is the coaxing and use of cobweb networking of a former celeb Neena (Dimple Kapadia) to give the first break to her daughter Niki (Isha Shravani).

It is here that Luck by Chance unfolds. Vikram and Sona did fall in love eventually, little knowing that their life is soon going to rotate in different orbit to keep the story of Luck by Chance revolving. Vikram gets the chance to be the lead role while Chaudhary (a typical film producer) opens the door for Sona . In this journey up the success ladder what is it that the couple compromise on.…. Watch out Luck by Chance in this weekend and unearth the fabric of the story while enjoying the season for cameos from Aamir Khan, Juhi Chawla, Akshay Khanna, funny man Boman Irani, Sexy John Abraham to K areena Kapoor, Karan Johar, Ranbir Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi. Diaz Mira did make an appearance too.

So Luck by Chance has pulled in all stars to twinkle together and do you know that Zoya Akhtar does not make too much hype of these guest appearances, but yes she thanks them for taking time out for her dream film.

If you did not see Luck by Chance you might feel that the film is all about Farhan Akhtar. But you need to know its end to realize that it’s the role of a woman that was more important throughout the film. So, essentially the film belongs to Konkana Sen Sharma too. Besides this, watch out the dance numbers of our superstar Hrithik Roshan while the dialogues of Javed Akhtar are as brilliant as ever.

A rating of 8/10 and I feel it’s a must watch for Zoya’s direction, Farhan’s brilliant acting, Konkona’s scintillating performance and Hrithik’s dance.

Aid to Pakistan continues…Does Obama administration have the answer?

In spite of repeated proclaims that international terrorism has roots embedded in the soils of Pakistan…the flow of funds in the form of World Bank and IMF aid continues. Why?
Pakistan has always been bailed out, doled out by unheard moves and unseen gestures… the question remains as why?

Since the year 1952, Pakistan has always been receiving foreign aid of varied types for specific purposes. But where did all the funds go? Did the aid help transform Pakistan to a healthier state economically? The truth lies in the gruesome statistical numbers of literacy, education, quality of living. Since then and till now, nearly 75 percent population lives hand to mouth with income of not more than $2 a day. Apart from this, check on their foreign reserve that is dwindling and is almost negligible. So, once again and one more time Pakistan wants soft loans and who else but US needs to dole out Pakistan. Again US is the major trade partner of Pakistan. Apart from US, Pakistan receives aid from China too. With the recent moves, almost 27 signatures made on the dotted lines with respect to space technology, defense and further trading relation with China.

To survive Pakistan needs the aid… and why cannot we simply stop giving aid and sever ties with a country that is unleashing terror on all fronts. The answer is simple, the closest allies of Pakistan need this country for their own geopolitical reasons.

India is still watching, only contemplating on Pak’s response to the dossier… or waiting for another 26/11 to make the next move …or just being cautious so that it’s once again Obama who needs to make the first move and others will follow.

And now with the Obama administration, Pakistan has been warned that the flow of non-military aid to the country will be made conditional. This move is a part of Obama’s first foreign policy and to bring about accountability in Pakistan, a country that is reluctant to fight terrorism. Reported figure says that $55 million aid to Pakistan has been withheld by Obama administration.

President Obama…. Please hear the cry of the far-off lands too as you take decisions on International Terrorism and Pakistan.

Maruti Swift v Hyundai i20

In response to a blogger's comment I just thought to share in some tit-bit details about Maruti Swift to help one make an informed choice as whether to spend few bucks more to upgrade pleasure driving with Hyundai i20....

Here is the car of the era, compact yet spacious, technologically advanced yet environment friendly from the pioneer of small car manufacturers Maruti Suzuki, christened as Maruti Swift. But then as Maruti was making inroads into the mindset of compact-car category, Hyundai made no mistake to capitalize on Maruti’s success with launch of Hyundai i10 and now with more advanced and spacious Hyundai i20. If spacious is synonymous with Maruti Swift, Hyundai i20 promises value for money with no compromise on comfort and space.

In the mini-car segment, both Maruti Swift and Hyundai i20 comes with 5 door hatchback but Hyundai i20 comes with an extended wheelbase measuring 2525mm. This aspect gives greater stability to Hyundai i20 as compared to Maruti Swift with wheelbase of 2390mm. And the size does matters and rightly so Hyundai i20 stands with 3940 mm in length and 1710 in width in comparison to Maruti Swift overall length of 3760mm and overall width of 1690mm. In height you might see our Hyundai i20 a bit shorter to Swift but in its look Hyundai i20 reflects sturdier appeal. With increased overall length and width, I feel that the interior space of Hyundai i20 is always greater thus enhancing comfort with style. When it comes to voting for spaciousness, I felt that spending few extra bucks will help you enjoy a better leg space with roomy interiors in a Hyundai i20 than in Maruti Swift. However, check the performance statistics before you make your choice.

The greatest innovation in terms of lighter weight is the all aluminum engine and the Hyundai i20 is equipped with modern Kappa engine for optimum fuel efficiency and minimum gas emission. And the Maruti Swift too responds at the slightest touch in the all aluminum 1298cc engine with 16 valves that generates torque of 113Nm@4500rpm. The maximum speed of Maruti Swift is 160km/h and from 0-60 km, Maruti Swift takes just 6 seconds. The gearbox matches perfectly with the power and the torque curves. Whereas, the Hyundai i20 with differential gear ratio clocks 0-60km in 12.9 seconds. Hyundai i20 is good for the Indian roads but I know not how the car will perform in the highway.

Available in five variants and six shades of metallic hue, price of Maruti Swift ranges from Rs 4 lacs to Rs 5.6 lacs. While Hyundai i20, launched in eight vibrant shades is priced at Rs 4.79 lacs for Magna version, Rs.5.59 lacs for the Asta and Rs.5.82 lacs for Asta (O), New Delhi, ex-showroom.

So, just check out and drive with pleasure

National Girl Child Day-A Satirical Thought?

New-born girls thrown into dustbin, malnutrition, female foeticide, unequal education rights to girl child in comparison to boys, restricting her thoughts just because she is born a girl. In every way, everybody wants to earn from a girl child just because it is still considered in this land of billion populations a burden, a liability and above all a curse…

What are we doing to change the minds of this people who trade girls as a breeding stock to feed their hungry mouth and filthy minds? One need not to go to a theater and spend some bucks to watch a horror movie, just take a sneak-peek into domestic violence and everyday torture that a girl child bore in her daily living.

Its been 61 years that we have gained independence from the slavery of British Rule but we are still in the shackles of selfish thoughts, cruelest ideas and gruesome motives. India represents the poorest child-sex ratio. As an emerging economy with technological advancement and growing popularity, we are institutionalizing a day as National Girl Child Day when we retrospect what we have done and then we make some five-year plans to make it happen in black and white…. Ridiculous ain’t it?

There is a celebration of Valentine day, Mother’s day and Father’s day and now with respect to National Girl Child Day on 24th January, Archies will launch their daughter’s day campaign. Wow! What a way to strike the right emotional chord and make few bucks in name of a Girl Child.

Do you know why our slugabed politicians chose 24th January as National Girl Child Day… Just because to commemorate the date as on this day Indira Gandhi was sworn in as the first woman Prime Minister of India. Since then and till now what has changed…??

A question that is answered with several statistics and innumerable numbers such as there has been an increase in the girl child enrolment in education institution, there has been improvement in dismal sex ratio, there are upward trend in decreasing female foeticide…. Ironical are these statistical figures when the reality strikes you hard either through a happening in the next door or you read about a girl child found abandoned in pile of dust and heap of wastes.

It exists at all levels of the society and the growing concern is that it is not a direct consequence of poverty or illiteracy; it is the mindset of individuals. And it is my personal opinion that declaring a National Girl Child Day is not enough and neither it’s a starting point. It only highlights the fake promises and the meaningless actions.

It is the Girl Child only who can save another Girl Child…
Simply let there be a refusal to be born…
Let a Gay society emerge and let us silently see its consequence and a death of a Nation.

So do not save a Girl Child by paying a tribute in a National Girl Child Day….
Let the girl in a mother-in-law helps realize the girl in a daughter-in-law not to give birth and
Do not Save Me because I am a Girl Child….
Let me Dream because I am a Child !!!

Jolly Days Movie -Set to relive good old college days

A remake of Telugu film, Happy Days, this Kannada movie Jolly Days is hitting the theatres today with a bunch of newbies-Vishwas, Praveen, Pradeep, Spoorthi, Raghavendra, Rathuba and Rahul. So what this huge star cast got to do in Jolly Days?

Aha, it’s the college group and it is around them that the story revolves, vibrates and resonates. This bunch of engineering students’ plays, laughs, giggles and keep the movie going with Ruthika acting as a teacher. This movie helps one and all to rewind old college days and take few steps down the memory lane in the sands of time.

Jolly Days will help you smell the fragrance of yesteryears trapped in celluloid, thus giving a break into stereotypical living. The script-writer, director and actor all work in unison to reflect the optimism in youth. Music reverberates in Jolly Days with six songs and sheer melody that cuts across all barriers and captivates one and all. It’s a great musical treat from Meyer. The music infuses nostalgic feeling and you clock back in time.

Director M. D Sridhar optimizes on the talent of Aishwarya Nag and makes this film Jolly Days on the natural landscape of Om Beach and Kumta, making the audience feel connected to their earlier days of studying and ragging. Some settings are at very own Bangalore and Mangalore.

So check out at the theatres in this long weekend and get connected to your old buddies in new way.

Hyundai i20 review

With the success story of Hyundai-i10 and inspired by instincts, Hyundai launched its latest hatchback variant Hyundai-i20 only to reiterate its tagline Drive your way with a difference. The heat is ignited with dynamic imagination, innovation and intelligence of the designers. These engineers and manufacturers of Hyundai who placed this new Hyundai- i20 a little higher up to Hyundai Getz thus giving a threat to market of the Maruthi Swift. Hyundai Motors have been innovating to provide innovative solutions to the busy Indian roads; the small car Santro, the smart Hyundai-i10 or now the latest and smarter Hyundai-i20 reiterate the same.

Designed and developed in Germany, Europe the company says that the manufacturing of Hyundai-i20 will be done in India and then exported to the other countries, adding up to the mini-car segment. Hyundai-i20 doesn't differ too much with its younger brother Hyundai-i10. However, the plus one gets with Hyundai-i20 is that it comes with a 5-year warranty and three variants to chose from- the Hyundai i20 Magna, Hyundai i20 Asta and Hyundai i20 Asta (O). The difference between Hyundai-i20 Asta model and the Asta (O) is that in the latter, Hyundai-i20 comes with side and curtain airbags.

Look: The all new Hyundai-i20 reflects a unique blend of power, energy and luxury. The car is longer, wider and shorter than the Hyundai Getz with an overall appeal that is anytime stronger than Maruthi Swift. As the target segment being the upwardly urban clientele, Hyundai-i20 is stylish with perfect exterior paneling. It sports an athletic look than Maruthi Swift and bears spacious interior design and architecture so that Hyundai Getz pushes into nostalgia. Different from Hyundai-i10 as i20 comes with 5 door with expanded wheelbase. Available in myriad hues of black, blue, white, red, silver and beige, one can simply drive one’s way to an exciting lifestyle with Hyundai-i20. Good large headlamp coupled with sporty fog lamps further adds to its look while the raked steep windscreen merges with the tail section

Performance: All favorite Hyundai-i20 is also equipped with 1197cc Kappa engine-the all aluminum engine that provides with a whopping torque of 110 Nm and 79 bhp @4000 rpm, along with improved fuel efficiency and low CO2 emissions keeping the air clean and green. This new generation futuristic engine generates all time low noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) making the environment eco-friendly. For initial speeding from 0-60 Hyundai-i20 takes just 12.9 seconds. Equipped with 5-speed manual gearbox, it responds swiftly and enthusiastically at the slightest throttle pedal. One can surely derive substantial amount of fun and excitement if not speed driving a Hyundai-i20 back home.

Additionally the interior storage space of Hyundai-i20 is anytime larger than its competitors with its upright tailgate, be it Maruthi Swift or Fabia. The adjustable and the foldable feature of the rear bench, makes Hyundai-i20 quite unique and helps in going for fishing with all its anglers and necessities. The allied comfort features are adjustable head rest (both front and rear), electrically adjusted rear view mirrors that are foldable too, integrated music system in the dashboard with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters while audio can be controlled from the steering. Drive Hyundai-i20 with additional comfort by adjusting the seat in accordance with height and that’s not all one can also adjust the steering for greater visibility.
Hyundai-i20 incorporates enhanced safety features too and that includes air bags, front seatbelt pretensioners, new generation anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution and electronic stability control.

Final Verdict: Even after writing this Hyundai-i20 review I would still say that wait before you go ahead to book it as come the first quarter of 2009, all variants of Hyundai-i20 will be fitted with ESP(Electronic Stability Program) and also with CRDi version engine.

Outplacement-A concept that helps grow amidst loss

With worldwide economic slowdown and market indices touching low, retrenchment, downsizing, work force rationalization, job loss, strategic business units closure, mergers and acquisitions are the most common terms. What are the first-hand consequences of these business terms?

More often it is employees parting from their organization and being forced out of the job before they had planned. It is here that the services of an outplacement agency come in the forefront. Outplacement is a process by which the exit of an employee from the current organization is made smoother by placing the individual in another organization analyzing the potential and skill set of the person.

The outfall of a major business decision in the face of globalization might be parting with few hundred employees to several thousand working people. Thus retrenching becomes the order of the day and it is quite a complex process. An executive business decision for an organization might be a life changing situation for the parting employees. For some, it becomes a blow to their morale and often people begin to suffer from low self-esteem upon this eventuality. Additionally in countries like India, there is no unemployment benefit and neither any social security system exists, further fuelling extremely low self confidence.

It is here that the outplacement consultants can help motivate the parting employees to work effectively for a better opportunity. Outplacement agencies can help people find alternate jobs matching with their skill set without much compromise on the financial standpoint. The services of the outplacement agency can be beneficial for all-for the parting employees who get opportunity to work elsewhere; employees who are working need not to be scared and hence the productivity and efficiency is not hampered as they can feel assured that an alternative is possible and last but not the least the organization benefits from its brand image remaining unscathed.

The outplacement agency provides with programs of counseling, coaching and training to meet a specified personal goal and to achieve greater benefit from a systematic job-search process. Thus, a transition at no cost can be made smoother if the concept of outplacement is more formalized particularly in the emerging economies of the world.

Thus, an outplacement agency can ensure better lifetime career management but one thing must be kept in mind that some norms also need to be put in place so that the under performing employees might not develop any kind of feeling of complacency that might lead to counter-productivity.

With the given economic situation, I feel an efficient outplacement agency can bring forth a win-win situation for all.

Hope of Change as Obama delivers his inaugural speech

My blog had posts of Hilary Rodham Clinton running for the Presidential election, there was few knocks and punches of words that found space in my thoughts and hence in my writing between Mc. Cain and Barack Obama as they raced for their seat in White House and finally when it was President elect Barack Obama won an overwhelming victory, I chose to write few lines on people’s expectations of a change.

And today when the 44th President of United States of America takes oath, the whole world looks up to him with a ray of hope for streak of changes that would leave an indelible mark in the lives of millions and especially on the ailing US economy.

From Cuba to China from Kongolo to Japan all is geared up to witness a historic moment in the international arena, only showcasing the fact that there is no geographical barrier to celebration. And what an appeal the man has made with his true statesmanship.

Kongolo being Obama’s birth place will soon witness a transformation into a great tourist hot-spot. And do you know even in Japan, the name is selling and people are making money? Yes, in the land of the rising sun, several hundred thousand masks of Obama is being sold as the inauguration has generated scintillating senses of excitement even amidst deep feeling of insecurity.

As Barack Obama takes his oath on the Bible used by Abraham Lincoln, speculation on the content of his speech is far too many. According to him the road ahead would be long and the climb would be steep but he says “Its not a day to pause and reflect-it’s a day to act”

So said, with an inspiring life story of Barack Obama and his great oratorical ability to instill and infuse confidence into the hearts and minds of millions, he is inheriting a weak global staggering economy, innumerable cases of bankruptcy, aftermath of war, nuclear proliferation to climate change…

Here are we on the other side of the subcontinent waiting for the wave of Change to engulf one and all for a better and brighter tomorrow.

Ghajini : Film in the name of a Villain

Count his packs.....????

After almost a year, actor Aamir Khan resurfaces from the role of teacher in the movie Taare Zameen Par that is already buzzing with Oscar nominations. The new avatar is in eight packs ready to uproot the evils that shook his living and killed his beloved. A story of love and revenge.

There is the same cliché... A rich boy falls in a love with a poor next-door kind of girl. And this falling in love of Sunil Singhania (Aamir Khan) is more of Kalpana’s (Asin) Mother Teresa kind of attitude. She takes care of the old, orphan and special children with a smile of love, care and tenderness. However, the romance that was yet to bloom was nipped in the bud by Asin's sudden killing whereas she was unaware about the identity of her beloved (sachin or sanjay). Viewers can enjoy some moments of fun and expression of emotion as Asin talks laughs and feels for Sachin.

The story vibrates in flashback and thanks to the 2 year memoir written by Sanjay Singhania. This Sanjay Singhania was hit when his love was killed and he suffered from short term memory loss.

Where is the punch line?
It is how Sanjay Singhania takes revenge of his love not knowing as to who killed Asin except one name that was lipped in his ears as Asin breathed last. As he suffered from memory loss so he made his killing plans through taking notes, photos in Polaroid and above all by tattooing his body with his mission to kill.

However with reverberating music of A R Rehman and utter perfectionist mode of acting of Aamir Khan that the movie holds you on the edge though you know that what the end looks like. But here again, I felt that most songs are forced.

It can be a weekend evening entertainment where the character begins a new life with every fifteen minutes as he suffered from anterograde amnesia for the whole three hour movie. The story basically unfolded with the medical student (Jiah Khan) exploring the life of Sanjay Singhania as a project case.

My last verdict on Ghajini
A total Hindi-masala movie that runs on script stolen from Memento. And if you take out youthful, fresh-faced Asin from the movie there is just nothing in it. And oh yes… how much did Aamir Khan tried to save A. R. Murugadoss through his brilliant performance and those muscular looks is for you to watch and find.

Fight life with Fear staying United

As another day dawns and you sit with a morning cup of steaming coffee to browse through the newspaper, you should not be surprized to read churches are attacked, suicidal rates are increasing and your value of money is experiencing a free fall. Thus, we are being asked consciously, carefully and categorically to live in fear each day with… rising prices, job cuts, scams, frauds and getting killed or paralyzed by a terrorist.
Everywhere the tittle-tattle is on, living amidst Fear but who cares?

As we get up to tie the snicker laces for a half-a-mile jogging on the tracks, we forget that the news write-ups have affected someone somewhere. We fail to recognize them or feel repulsive or even impulsive to act just because it did not happen to me. However, it is believed that we cannot blame us. As because the system is running and if we you fail to take the lead, the axe might be on your shoulder. So, our daily chores force us to move ahead trampling anything and everything that comes under our feet. So, live your life first is the motto of this generation. But, not being collective brings with it the horror of terror-driven life, where no one is bothered about none, and everyone thus living in fear that it might happen to them one day.

The thought needs a change, action needs a reaction… the undeniable truth is Unity is Strength, so why not we unite under the umbrella of Humanity and take a step forward to feel for each to live free. Instead of a robotic way of life, why can’t each one of us spare some time and share a joke or ask with empathy as to how are your next door neighbor’s family people? Will it take too much of your measured time? The answer is a vehement NO. Just try out and you can feel the change, start it with one to make it with the Rest…

Take a kit-kat break on a monotonous daily life to add humor to it, instead of taking stress reliever pills. Why not, laugh aloud, instead of timing your workouts? It is well researched, surveyed and published in varied journals, that advocates happiness is the key to a successful, stress free and longer living. So, no need to restrict carbs on diet or put facial packs, instead feel happy from within to reflect cheerful demeanor and radiant skin.

The adage “Don’t worry, Be happy” needs to be implemented consciously to tide over volatile situations, joining hands all together, apart from defining a Purpose of Life to live longer and healthier than the rest.

It should not be I am existing in Fear instead it should be We are Fighting Fear to be Happy !!!